Bill Summaries: H 833 ENHANCE PATIENT SAFETY IN RADIOLOGIC IMAGING.

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  • Summary date: Apr 14 2015 - View Summary

    Identical to S 498, filed 3/25/15.

    Enacts new Article 43, Radiologic Technologists and Radiation Therapists, to GS Chapter 90 to establish standards of education, examination, and licensure for persons operating equipment used for radiologic imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Defines terms applicable to Article 43. Prohibits, on or after October 1, 2016, any person from administering, offering to administer, or otherwise indicating that the person is licensed to administer radiologic imaging or radiation therapy procedures unless the person is licensed under Article 43. Exempts eight listed parties from Article 43. Creates an 11-member Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners (Board), with appointments and terms, as indicated. Directs the Board to establish licensure standards for a radiographer, radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, cardiovascular invasive specialist, magnetic resonance technologist, limited X-ray machine operator, and radiologist assistant. Permits persons licensed under Article 43 to perform specified actions depending on their type of licensure and and lists three limitations specifically related to the performance of computed tomography. Sets forth additional details related to Board meetings and administration. Enumerates 14 powers and duties of the Board.

    Lists requirements for licensure for all applicants, and lists requirements specific to applicants for licensure in an area of radiologic imaging or radiation therapy and requirements specific to applicants for licensure as limited X-ray operators and as radiologist assistants. Sets out examination requirements. Directs the Board to accept persons currently registered by other boards, as specified. States that certain X-ray machine operators will take an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Details additional provisions for license issuance, temporary licenses, and license renewal and requires licensees to display licenses or a verified copy in each place of regular employment. Authorizes medical facilities and educational institutions to offer programs approved by the Board in applicable subject areas, provided certain guidelines are met.

    Authorizes the Board to grant a license to a person licensed, certified, or registered to perform or administer radiologic imaging or radiation therapy procedures in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards of competency. Directs the Board to set fees, as specified, and to pay all expenditures out of funds from the fees. Allows the Board to discipline applicants or licensees, after a hearing, under nine specified circumstances. Makes each violation of Article 43 a Class 1 misdemeanor. Authorizes the Board to apply to any appropriate court to enjoin violations of Article 43. 

    Provides that  the initial appointees to the Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners filling the membership positions for licensed radiologist, licensed nuclear medicine technologist, licensed radiation therapist, licensed cardiovascular invasive specialist, and licensed limited X‑ray machine operator do not have to meet the licensure requirements established in this act if they obtain a license from the Board within 90 days after the Board begins issuing licenses. 

    Allows persons other than radiologist assistants who have been engaged in the practice of radiologic imaging and radiation therapy and who do not hold a current registration from a voluntary professional certification organization approved by the Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners to continue to practice in the modality of radiologic imaging or radiation therapy in which they are currently employed if they meet the specified requirements, including registering with the Board on or before October 1, 2016, and obtain a license from the Board on or before October 1, 2020.